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Southport
British Ring Convention
September 2007
Reported by Bob Hayden
We always said the 2007 Convention would be stupendous. Was it? The consensus of
the 800 plus registrants attending it was. But a word used by many was
different.
So what made Southport 2007 different from previous Conventions? Was it the
enhanced comfort for the audience to view the International Close-Up Show and
the majority of the lectures from the tiered seating in the Southport Arts
Centre Theatre? Some however expressed concern for using both the Southport
Theatre and the Arts Centre for events with an eight-minute walk between the two
although many took advantage of the mini-coach that was available to convey
Conventioneers, especially those with walking difficulties, forward and
backwards between the two. Or was it the Late Night Sessions of cutting edge
magic that played to packed enthusiastic audiences? Congratulations must go to
Paul Stone for selecting such a talented team of stand up magicians. It is
oblivious these sessions will feature in future Conventions. Or may be it was
the two new innovations, the session of Street Magic that caused quite a stir
with Conventioneers but bewildered the citizens of Southport or the ‘Ask the
Experts’, a Question and Answer session that attracted a full room of devotees
wanting to listen and learn from a panel of five distinguished celebrities. Or
perhaps it was Paul’s introduction of a varied number of speciality acts into
the stage shows. What made it different for you?
Paul Stone, the Ring’s Executive Producer must be praised for arranging such an
excellent array of world class magical stars to perform and or lecture who
together with the Convention organiser John Pye assisted by all the officers of
the British Ring spent hundreds of hours of work spread over many months to
devise a well balanced programme of events to suit all magical tastes. As a
result every day of the Convention had highlights. With 16
Lectures/Workshops/Seminars, 6 Specialist Close-up workers. 36 Stage acts, 9
Late Night performers and 2 street Magicians to chose from, if you were to ask
any individual who impressed them most you would get dozens of different
answers. It all comes down to personal choice. Needless to say prolonged and
sustained applause was the appreciation shown by the audience to every event and
what is most unusual for a British audience standing ovations were frequent.
Throughout the week our President John Styles MBE and his lady Barbara were
everywhere mingling with the members bringing a smile to everybody’s face.
John’s wit made the Banquet into a most jovial affair, a memorable moment being
when he sang the IBM Song arranged splendidly by the Ring’s Musical Director
Dave Cass. His year of office came to an end on Sunday when he installed his
successor Derek MacFaull by handing over the Chain of Office. Derek thanked John
and Barbara for their dedication throughout their year and pledged to continue
to uphold the prestige and dignity and to do his utmost to enhance the British
Ring. At the Annual General Meeting Trevor Lewis was proposed and accepted as
President Elect for the year 2008-2009. Eastbourne was approved as the venue for
the 2008 Convention the dates being 24th-28th September and the Headquarters
hotel being The Lansdowne.
The results of the competitions are reported on another page. In the Close-up
Competition Steve Dela was the winner of the Zina Bennett Trophy giving a
varied, entertaining and skilful performance at the table. For exhibiting a high
level of skill with playing cards Steve also hung on to the Rovi Cup for another
outstanding entertaining card effect. Will Steve try to emulate Sir Steve
Redgrave and try to keep it for a third time next year? You will have to be at
Eastbourne to find out! In the Stage Competition the winners were High Jinx a
young brother and sister illusion act. It was an illusion act with a difference
portraying sibling rivalry with hilarious results. Previously they have taken
many prizes and have been winners of competitions at local level. Now by winning
the British Ring Shield the future for this duo in the world of magic looks
bright. The Craig Trophy awarded to the Dealer presenting the most attractive
display once again went to Five of Hearts Magic Productions.
One show that deserves mention that each year is attracting a larger audience is
the ‘Stars of Tomorrow’. Coming as it does just before the close of the
Convention when many already thinking of heading for home, it is gratifying to
see that so many stay and give their encouragement to the magicians of tomorrow.
This year Jack Gleadow from Hull, a 12 year old who had the confidence and
showmanship of many a seasoned performer introduced it. Watch out for his name
in the coming years. Appearing were Patricia The Princess of Magic from Glasgow,
Steven Bridges from Newcastle upon Tyne and Mandy Fletcher also from Glasgow.
All performed creditable acts with poise and skill. With such dedication to the
art and with such talent, the future of magic is in safe hands. Cynthia Neptune
who compiled the show must be very proud of her Young Stars of Tomorrow. Mandy
is the third generation of Fletchers who have performed at a British ring
Convention. She is the daughter of Moria Fletcher and granddaughter of Olive and
the late Duncan Fletcher. Not only that but the show was stage managed by her
brother Alistair Fletcher allowing the Ring’s Stage Director Neil Roberts to
stand back and admire his handling of the show. Well done to all of them!
13 eager youngsters must all have benefited from the advice given to them by
David Williamson and Joanie Spina when they attended the Junior Workshop,
organised by Mandy Davis.
Plans are already well advanced for next year’s Eastbourne 2008 and
Registrations are now being taken. If you book early you can enjoy the following
benefits. The first hundred to register will not only be given the best seats at
the Gala Show but will also receive a Souvenir DVD featuring all the highlights
of another fabulous Convention – absolutely free!
Just look for starters at the terrific line-up of talent appearing: Kalin and
Jinger, headline Stars of the Magic Underground in Reno appearing for the first
time at an IBM British Ring Convention, our own Geoffrey Durham, Guy
Hollingworth Nicholas Einhorn and Richard McDougall, Oscar Munoz, Michael
Finney, Nick Lewin, Gene Anderson, Bill Herz, Tony Chapek, Raymond Crowe,
Levent, Claudius Specht, Juan Tamariz and the return of Jeff Hobson. It’s going to
be another stupendous Convention!!!!
So do you want a best Gala Show seat and a freebie? Be in the first hundred by
Registering on line by going to the Payment On Line page on the website
www.britishring.org.uk or
getting in touch with Neville Johnson on 01202 873234 or by email
nevillejohnson25@aol.com.
© Bob Hayden, September 2007